News: Vigil for Victims at Oak Beach
(Long Island, N.Y.) Saturday’s stormy skies and overcast didn’t keep the families of the Gilgo Beach victims from gathering in their honor. The families had scheduled a candlelight vigil for June 11th, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the disappearance of the first victim to be identified. While the strong winds prevented the family members and loved ones from holding candles, the elements did not stop them from putting together a touching service.
The mother of one of the victims claimed that the grieving friends and family members won’t rest until they have justice. Along with the other mothers, she went on to say that they need to catch the killer before another girl loses her life, and that the only way to achieve justice is by showing people who the victims are. Reports stated that some of the family members came as far as Oregon and Buffalo to participate in the vigil.
The team of grieving loved ones held posters of the departed women, dressed in t-shirts with their faces, and joined together in a group hug. They read poems and played music, including the song “Never Be Forgotten” by country singer Jessica Andrews. They also discussed the details of the case and shared stories about the happy memories they cherish of the girls.
Family members and friends of the victims also held colorful balloons with each of their names and released them in the rain. They regarded one another as members of one big family, and many believe that the camaraderie has helped make the grieving processes a little bit easier to bear. They see each of the victims as angels taken too soon.
Mothers of the victims expressed that they are honoring their daughters regardless of what they did when they were alive, and that the girls should be remembered for who they were, not what they’ve done. They claimed that they will pursue the killer with every breath they take, and that they are grieving the loss of a part of themselves as well as the lives of the victims. Reports have stated that there are still no leads or developments in the case.
The family of one of the victims received notification that more of her remains were discovered. Reports stated that the family was later given the upper part of an arm bone from personnel at the office of the New York City Medical Examiner. The victim’s stepfather carried it in a box and has stated that the family plans to place it with the rest of her remains in Buffalo.
Most family members and friends of the victims have claimed that they want the search to end in the form of answers and closure. Saturday’s vigil was designed to be a final goodbye, but the loved ones of missing person Shannan Gilbert remind the pubic that they plan on returning to the site while Gilbert is still missing. One mother claimed that the killer is a weak man who preys on small, innocent girls and that he will be captured.
Reports stated that a dozen family members showed for the event and members of the press were there to talk with loved ones. Many wept as the family of one victim planted a wooden cross in the sand, marking the spot where her remains were first discovered. Police and authorities are asking anyone with information in the ongoing investigation to come forward anonymously.
